The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-03-13


publication in the leading paper at
Washington caused unstinted criti-
cism. Two years later, however, the
administration annunced it as a part
of its policy. Dir. Lincoln and |
we're always friends, and our rela-
tons continued unbroken to his
death. regretted the departure of
Gen. Joseph II. Johnston from the
War Department very much. He
saw me frequently during the prepa-
rations for war, and our relations
we're very friendly. l had number
Of times urged him to remain in the
army, and almost argued the ques-
ton with him; but one day he came
to the department, rendered his res
ignation and asked me to accept it at
once. | instructed the Adjutant-
General to prepare the necessary
papers and it was done without de-
lay. | was censured very severely
for permitting him to so South; but
as the fixed policy Of Mr.. Lineoln's
administration had been to let all
those go who desired to, l followed
the same course as TO Gen. Johnston.
II have often thought, said the vet
eraD, of FitE John Porter ia connee-
ton with these early operations.
| knew him we'll and frequently in
trusted him with confidential mis-
sions. There were quite number
of young Sou hsrn officers on duty at
Carlisle barracks about the begin
n.ng of the war, and, being anxious
to keep them in the army, sent
Fitz John Porter up there for that
purpose. Gen. George IL. Thomas
was one OF the number, Mtz Hugh
Lee another. Porter went to Car
Isle, but only Thomas could be in
dueed to remain with the Union
cause. Every other officer from the
South, except him who was then on
duty at Carlisle barracks, joined the
Confederate Army. From Porter's
action in this ease, as in other conf
Dental matters with which l tn
trusted him at that time, | could
never believe In his disloyalty.
Naturally | do not mean to say that
Porter's visit 10 Carlisle was the
only thing that kept George Ii.
Thomas in the Union Army. A man
of his strong character aud unusual
intellect would probably have re-
NAMED had no effort been mado to
keep him. He was a great soldier
one of the greatest that our war pro-
duced."
Gen. Cameron's interesting rem
iniscences of the beginning Of
the war might be prolonged to II
page of the Herald; but those here
given are enough to indicate the
tenor Of long conversation. Talk
on the war finally gave way to that
Of politics, and Gen. Cameron said
There is not much of interest in
our current public life. -Four years
of conflict and fifteen years of pc.
ltical hostility engendered by shap-
ing the demands of new nationality
have left the country free from pub
lie questions that will bring out what
strength or weakness there may be
in our public men. There are no
questions OF importance up for dis
cussion and settlement, and both par
ties are drifting around after some
ground upon which they may anchor
themselves and fight. The labor
question is great problem, but
neither party dares to handle it as q
distinct Issue. Therefore the pres
ent negative policy is likely to con
tinue until some shock comes either
to our business interests or to our
sentiment upon which parties shall
disagree. They will then arrange
themselves for desperate battle,
which will recreate new political in
terests and new demands upon our
public men,"
Columns of interesting matter
might be written upon the past and
present OF this remarkable relic Of
our past The old General in his
birthday Of yesterday has left prece-
dent and example behind him which
will not soon be duplicated. If he
could transmit his mantle of power
to his own or some other generation
it would be good thing.